Overview

El Cerro de los Jarros (Hill of the Jugs in Spanish), sometimes also refered to as just El Cerro, is a hill / mountain near Tlachichuca, the main base town for people heading towards Pico de Orizaba . It rises about 300 meters from Tlachichuca and the flat plateau that separates it from the volcano. The scenery is really nice, filled with cacti and other plants of arid climate.

El Cerro is a nice hike if you have time you want to spend in Tlachichuca before or after climbing up Pico de Orizaba, it only takes a few hours. Also, it's probably the best spot to take some good shots of the volcano without any houses or other objects standing in the way. Or you might just want to go a little bit higher to acclimatize before going up to Piedra Grande.

Although it's a short hike, be sure you have some water with you, depending on the season it can get very hot. Most of the hill is a walk-up with a few sections of easy scrambling.

Getting There

Just continue northwards on Calle 5 Norte (street) in Tlachichuca and follow it to the end until you reach the Virgin of Guadalupe shrine. From Cancholas family house, just keep right until you reach that street.

To get to Tlachichuca you can take a bus from Mexico City (first class) or Puebla (second class)

Red Tape

None on the main route, which basically starts from a public street. The mountain is surrounded by fields used by farmers though, which indicates it probably is private land.

When to climb

Anytime. Remember that depending on the season and time of day it can be a very hot climb.